My recent visit to Anaheim and the OC provided opportunities to see the biggest music industry trade show around (NAMM), a close-up look at the expansive and inviting new Grand Plaza that adjoins the Anaheim Convention Center, and a burgeoning new side of Anaheim. And more!
The Grand Plaza
The Plaza ribbon-cutting preceded the opening of the NAMM show floor, where celebrities like Randy Jackson and former New York Yankee great Bernie Williams (now an accomplished guitarist) were among the celebs to be spotted. Some rare OC rain forced us indoors for the ceremony, but didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits as outgoing AOCVCB Charles Ahlers welcomed attendees.
Lined by towering palm trees and hosting three lovely fountains (one pictured), the promenade adds about 100,000 to the Convention Center’s possibilities. Our group soon to got to see it in action as a thriving event spot for a Tower of Power (“You’re Still a Young Man”) concert and it really does make for an impressive venue.
Disney Fun
Disneyland, like always, has some cool stuff going on, especially in their California Adventure park. Our group was given a nice tour of the recently added Cars Land—essentially one major ride based on the Cars animated feature built around the ‘town’ of Radiator Springs, a hub of throw-back, 50s-era neon signs and ultra-cool kiddy rides. The attention to detail is just tremendous, and even adults were laughing and screaming on the big Cars thrill ride that rockets through and around massive boulders and canyons.
Equally impressive is the elegant Carthay Circle building (pictured), a recreation of the art deco movie theater in Los Angeles where ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ premiered. It’s now home to a classy bar with handcrafted cocktails and a regal restaurant—plus some superb event spaces. Our group enjoyed some delightful appetizers in a handsome reception area adjoined by a balcony overlooking the heart of the park. The venue is the California park’s version of Disneyland’s ‘castle’, an eye-catching centerpiece around which much of the main activity takes place.
Elsewhere in Anaheim
Also impressive is the City National Grove of Anaheim (aka ‘The Grove,’), a handsome events hive that was all made up for an upcoming dinner affair (pictured) and couldn’t have looked more superb. We also dropped by the Honda Center—home to the NHL’s Mighty Ducks—where the buzz was all about an upcoming Grand Terrace addition; the new 12,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor space will host an elegant bar and some sweeping views.
And planners should also keep in mind the revitalized Center Street—a hip, burgeoning avenue of cool cafés and shops—and the equally impressive Packing House district nearby. Among the cool elements are the revamped Packard Building (now home to an appealing restaurant and adjoining brewery), a Farmers Park (designed for community events including a weekly farmers market), and the Packing House (a former citrus packing house handsomely transforming into a culinary center/public market; pictured)
Cuisine on the Coast
Our visit wrapped up on the OC coast, where two fantastic dining experiences were the far-and-away highlights. If you’ve never been to Crystal Cove (near Newport Beach; pictured), it’s one of the most charming spots on the entire California coast and home to my favorite lunch spot probably anywhere. The Beachcomber serves delightful fare (I had the Lobster BLT among other items) and the frequent sight of dolphins splashing in the nearby Pacific.
Finally, a regal dinner in the Huntington Beach Hyatt’s private Patron dining room was just amazing, both the delicious four-course meal and charming setting as well.